Solitude in Paradise at Cayo Santa Maria, Cuba
Photo Feature by Idania Cardenas
HAVANA TIMES – Cayo Santa María is a small island located north of Villa Clara province, part of the Jardines del Rey archipelago. It is connected to the main island by a causeway (a road over the sea) approximately 48 kilometers long. Cayo Santa María is known for its white-sand beaches and crystal-clear waters, and it is part of the Buenavista Bay Biosphere Reserve, designated by UNESCO.
The island is home to several resorts and is a major tourist destination in Cuba. A few days ago, I visited the Valentin Perla Blanca Hotel, a luxury resort nestled between radiant turquoise waters and endless white-sand beaches. A natural paradise that seemed frozen in time, immune to the chaos of the outside world.
However, something felt different. In a hotel built to accommodate more than a thousand guests, only about forty of us shared the silence. The solitude was tangible. The left wing of the building was closed, a silent witness to a larger crisis: the steep decline in tourism in Cuba.
The combination of international restrictions, internal economic crisis, and political complexity has led to a sharp drop in visitors to an island that for decades thrived on the charm of its Caribbean hospitality.
The pool in this part of the hotel, once bustling, had become a sanctuary for seabirds bathing as if it belonged to them. A beautiful desolation, where the solitude was palpable and the seagulls became the true protagonists of this surreal setting.
There was no buffet — unnecessary with so few guests — but this did not mean a drop in quality. Meals were served à la carte in specialty restaurants, with carefully prepared dishes and personalized service. At night, the lobby bar transformed into a small social hub: impromptu fashion shows, karaoke, dancing music… a simple but soulful celebration.
This photo essay captures a destination that remains magical, though wounded by the absence of visitors. A place where hospitality becomes even more precious in times of scarcity, and where solitude reveals as much as beauty does.
Very nice write-up with beautiful photos.
Looks beautiful there I have been to Melia Las Dunas Cayo Santa Maria about 5 years ago I lived it, it was so beautiful there and the food was great would definitely go back. Love Cuba
I’ve been there a few times over the past decade and always loved it. I hope more people discover it as Cuba needs the business. The Valentin hotel is one of my favourites.
Cuba needs to make the airports more welcoming, improve screening so we don’t have to wait for hours when you arrive going through customs and security. They try to charge you to get past the line. Terrible service at the airport. Also baggage security is bad, had stuff stolen from my bag at the airport after checking bag.
Oh yes!!! Let’s all go running to CUBA so we can participate in the slaughter of the CUBAN PEOPLE by the CASTRO-ASSASSIN/DIAZ-CANEL DICTATORSHIP!
That’s the ticket!!!! And if you throw in the starvation mode of 11 million CUBANS and the eternal blackouts throughout the island, the beatings and encarcerations of everyone from women andchildren/ and people of all ages making them eternal POLITICAL PRISONERS, well that just the icing on the cake!!! Do you need to be enlightened further about CUBA, the “ISLAND PRISON”? Why not even turn to the INTERNET instead of trying to BS your readers.
Let me guess, the DICTATORSHIP has you on their propaganda machine/PAYROLL?
A true PARADISE!!!!!
Everything is beautiful and gorgeous❤️❤️❤️
It was truly a paradise, natural beauty,ocean grounds and amazing staff. The guests we met were wonderful. I pray the numbers pick up for this gem of a resort, I will be returning in April 2026. Let’s bring the numbers back up,we all deserve this paradise and the Cuban workers need thier jobs.
Nice article and photos! We had been in Santa Maria few times. Love the drive even though it was long. Such a sad thing what is going on there. Not good for local people who depend on tourism. Not sure if the government is aware or cares enough to do something. We would feel uneasy to be there while people struggle. May be later when things improve.
Been there.
Love the beautiful Cuban People.
Loved the landscape.
We won’t talk politics.
.
Have a wonderful day.
Santa Cayo Maria is one of the most beautiful places I have visited. The cuban people are so friendly and will do anything for you
I was here two years ago and it was beautiful and thriving. Breaks my heart ❤️ Fo every year to Cuba and love love the people. Going again in February.
It’s sad to read solitude due to drop of tourism. I went to Cayo Santa Maria years ago for a change from Cayo Coco and Varadero and love the place. To be honest, it has its reasons, I think people are scared of power shutdown which means food could be contaminated besides others negative impacts will ruin your vacation. But I love the beautiful beaches that only Cuba can offer and the wonderful people working at resorts that make your stay memorable. I’m still taking a leap of faith going to an another island this summer as I miss the swim in clear sea. Hope that Cuba tourism will be back which Cuba needs most to survive. Thanks for great sharing of this beautiful country I always consider as paradise!